Paintings of birds are also be avoided. If you are walking outside and a pigeon poops on your head, it is a sign of good luck in Italy. This is just a sample of the many unique Italian traditions and superstitions. Tacca ferro means touch iron. Just like the phrase, knock on wood, the Italian version of this is to knock on iron.. This is an Italian hand gesture (or an amulet imitative of the gesture) to ward off the evil eye. Egg Magic and Folklore. December 2013 No. How did it all start? Eating the core of a pineapple can increase blood flow to your womb and encourage a healthy uterine lining - essential for increasing your chances of implantation. According to tradition, when priestsvisited the dying to give them their last rights, theywould remove their hat and put it on the bed. Youll finally be able to connect with your Italian partner, speak to your relatives and enjoy authentic travel experiences in Italy that youve always dreamed of, and so much more. Italian men, knowing what must be protected at all costs, may tap their testicles, known as tocca palle. I heard it means once again but I dont get the point of how the translation works out. Friday the 17th. In fact, it's actually a lucky number. Wonder why there are no air conditioners in Italy? When youre feeling under the weather, chances are you want to take a nice hot bath to soothe your pain. As a result, the maid of honor and the best man play an even more important role in Italian weddings. No, not even on the day before! Even if you don't believe in the superstition, lentils are super healthy legumes that provide a lot of protein and fibre into your system. 10.3K. Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a silver sixpence in her shoe. For the Tasmanian mountain, see, "Perch si crede che il corno porti fortuna? But If you do end up blundering, counteract the bad luck by blotting some olive oil behind your ear! Maybe youre wondering, what is the most important tradition in Italy? The number 13 is additionally connected with the Goddess of Fertility as well as the lunar cycles. Wedding Favors and Gifts. If you want to know more about Italy: Your email address will not be published. After the wedding, the bride and groom will often accept gifts and give out some wedding favors to thank those who attended. As a native English speaker who learned Italian as an adult, I know what its like to feel hopeless and lack the confidence to speak. Another Italian tradition is to eat lentils (lenticchie, in Italian) on New Years Eve and January 1st. This also explains why it is common to use the right hand to shake hands, to exchange the sign of peace in church, and why left-handed children in the past were corrected by forcing them to write with their right hand, this is because the left hand was the devils hand. Whether it comes to things to avoid doing, or practices to do per scaramanzia (to ward off bad luck), or jinxes to ensure that good fortune comes your way, in this guide youll discover 17 strange Italian superstitions that are taken very seriously, particularly in the south of Italy and among older generations. When composed making use of Arabic numerals, 17 is still considered unfortunate because it appears like a guy hanging from a gallows. Red underwear will apparently help to fend off evil spirits and negativity, bringing you happiness in the coming year. Also, be sure look fellow toasters in the eye when clinking glasses and dont slip up by forgetting to take a sip before setting your drink down, otherwise you will have seven years of bad sex. Again, in some cases, this has a basis in Christianity with the symbol of Christ as the Bread of Life. Also, dont forget to wear red undergarments, as this too will bring you luck in the coming year. Nguyen Duc Viet / Getty Images. I use my working knowledge of the English language to help you get into the Italian mindset so you can avoid the common pitfalls and errors English speakers make because I made them once too! When modern medicinal remedies fail, Italian superstition invites a mix of ancient techniques and folk tradition that borders on witchcraft. Learn the local language with my unique 80/20 method. Breaking a mirror will result in seven years of bad luck. Soy Good! The ancient Romans knew well Cernunnos, the horned Celtic god of fertility, life, animals, wealth, and the underworld. If meeting friends and you are not married, be aware of where you sit at the table. Soy Good! For Italians, rather than wood, they say 'tocca ferro' which means 'touch iron. When you drop something then someone is thinking of you and their name starts with the first letter of item dropped. The presence of a bird in the house (either as a pet or accidentally) brings bad luck. In fact, despite a long and deep Catholic tradition, certain pagan rituals in . In fact, its actually a lucky number. Another Italian superstitions has to do with sweeps and feet: a girl aiming at finding a husband needs to be far from anyone who is sweeping the floor. Please leave a comment if you know of one that needs to be added to the list. In fact, it is the life cycle personified. This belief likely originates from the fact that the oil was an expensive commodity in the past. In Italy, the number 13 is seen as auspicious. In a well-known tale, 12 gods were invited to dine at Valhalla, a magnificent banquet hall in Asgard, the . As a matter of fact, opening an umbrella indoors may bring financial bad luck: its a sign that you may soon no longer have a warm and cosy roof to live under, or you will be hit by some sort of tragedy such as losing your job or experiencing a natural calamity. "In bocca al lupo". Most of the traditions we will cover revolve around one of three things: fertility, good luck, and warding off bad omens. Subscribe using the form below to have all of my posts delivered directly to your email. Italians dislike the number so much that some hotels dont have a 17th level. To prevent a downturn of fortune people practice tocca ferro and touch iron if they think something bad is going to occur. Its because the number is considered unlucky. Knives as Wedding Gifts. An owl sighting is a vision of the spirits of the dead. From the once-powerful Roman Empire to the rich and diverse cultural practices theres more to this country that inspires and catches the eye. If you want to protect yourself against the evil-eye, carry a corincello charm around with you at all times. Each culture has its own unique traditions and customs when it comes to matrimony. 17 Weird Italian Superstitions Italians ACTUALLY Live By. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We're sure you've heard the phrase 'touch wood' or 'knock on wood' to ward off bad luck or to avoid jinxing yourself. Possibly related to the corno is the mano cornuta or "horned hand." In Italy, this is a sign of good luck will come your way. Therefore, many Italians avoid this number to cast away any bad omens. Find Private Teaching Jobs on TakeLessons. Some are superstitions, others are meant to bring luck. In the ancient times and some bakers to do, bakers will cut across on top of the bread to facilitate levitation , and also to bless the bread so to say. So, you might find that Italians may keep nails in their pockets so that they always have iron within reach! Then read our blog post on Italian Lentil Recipe. Today a visitor may be surprised at which superstitions are taken seriously and which are taken with a grain of salt, so to speak. 14. There are plenty of strange Italian superstitions, irrational beliefs and practices that all aim to ward off bad luck. Italian for Confident Conversations (A2-B2), NEW 30-Day Italian Verbs Challenge (A1-A2), Italian culture to learn 18 weird things that Italian, Intrepid Italian for Advanced Beginners (A2), Italian Culture: 19 Weird Things Italians Do That No One Warns You About, 8 DEADLY mistakes in Italian (& How to Avoid Them), 20 Hilarious Everyday Italian Expressions You Should Use, Romanesco: 25 Cool Roman Dialect Words You Should Use in Rome, 10 Reasons Why Learning Italian Will Change Your Life, 10 Italian Expressions Italians Love Saying, 10 Italian Phrases That Will Instantly Make You Sound more Italian. Varying dance etiquettes accompany most Italian wedding songs. This superstition has its roots in religion and comes from the Last Supper, when Jesus traitor, Judas Iscariot, was the 13th and final person to be seated. If you want detailed destinations guides, languages learning tips, and travel phrase guides, then you've come to the right place! Fear of the number 13, known as "triskaidekaphobia," has its origins in Norse mythology. For example, never raise a glass thats full of water and dont cross arms with the person next to you when you clink glasses. However, it was more prevalent in past generations for newlyweds. With that in mind, be sure to stay away from the number 17. The roots of this superstition go back to the Middle Ages, when the black cat was associated with evil and witchcraft and therefore seen as bad luck. Singles, dont let a broom touch your feet when someone is cleaning the floors. You get slapped on the face when you get your first period so you have "beautiful" red cheeks all your life. Older Sicilians can recall ancient rites, involving making dolls to curse an enemy, amulets to protect themselves from evil, or, on the more positive side, love potions to encourage a slow suitor. While many of us take note of eggs around springtime, because the Ostara season is chock . Dont cross arms when you clink wine glasses together. Curious about olive oil? 2013/9 Policy Brief No. Likewise, never sweep over the feet of an unmarried person, or they will never marry. Never trim toe as well as fingernails on Thursday. Never trim toe and finger nails on Thursday. Tuesday, on the other hand, was already unlucky among the Romans because it was dedicated to Mars, the God of war and discord. You see it everywhere, the cornicello charm which looks like a spicy red pepper. Did you know that if you are walking outside and a pigeon poops on your head, it is a sign of good luck in Italy? For the Egyptian people, the triangle was a sacred figure. It is considered unlucky as some associate this gesture with death. As a reply, avoid saying 'prego' but say 'crepi' instead, which means 'may the wolf die'. . Although 13 is considered fortunate, taking a seat to a table with 12 others is a sick prophecy. Dropping a mirror and breaking it, no matter how tiny it is, is said to bring you seven years of bad luck. So, when youre garnishing your plate of salad, be extra careful! These pieces are then offered for sale to the wedding guests. Bread is considered a staple of life and so every precaution is taken in order to prevent cursing the supply. It is said that the more you eat the richer youll become, so eat up! According to Italian traditions, however, taking a bath when you're sick will only make you sicker as will going outside with wet hair. There are certain foods which are a must-have as per the Italian traditions. It is common to see these at festivals and pass them as a simple piece of jewelry. We have all seen Italians greet each other with kisses on both cheeks. If her feet touch dirt, dust or the brush itself, the marriage will not take place. After all, you dont want to take any chances! Eggs are magical and mystical!. Planning a trip? And when clinking glasses never cross between others. If you are single, be careful when a friend or family member clean the house in your presence. It is believed that rain symbolizes fertility and cleansing. That means the bride can accept gifts and fail to give out wedding favors, and vice-versa. If the oil forms one large drop in the middle of the plate its a sure sign of the Evil Eye, but after chanting the right prayers that usually only women are allowed to know, the oil may break up into tiny droplets and spread out, thus breaking the curse of the Evil Eye. Because not everyone buys a new home when they move to a new place, blessing the home is seen as a way to rid the place of evil spirits or energy that may have been left behind from past owners. Did you know that in Brazil its bad luck to let your wallet or purse hit the floor, as it means youll lose money? QEEQ.COM guaranteesthe most competitive car rental deals for your traveland the secret is ourPrice Drop Protectorprogram! The twisted phallic red coral, gold or silver amulet (cornicello)is often worn or carried by men to ward off curses on their manliness or mojo. Every region seems to have its version of the Wickedness Eye, however, some take it more seriously than . The number is associated with the Goddess of Fertility, which means that the number thirteen can bring an abundant and fulfilled life - in other words - it is extremely lucky! Did you know we now live in Lucca? Mere bird feathers, particularly peacock plumes with their Wickedness Eye, can curse a house or the wearer of a downy hat. Some say that the maid of honor and best man should be . This idiomatic expression is as widespread as the most traditional Buona fortuna (good luck). We'd love to have you along for the ride! According to Italian traditions, its customary to eat lentils after the clock strikes 12:00. Have you ever wondered why some hotels in Italy dont have a 17th floor? ThisWayToItaly - All Rights Reserved, 10 Most Famous Italian Singers of All Time, Engagement and Wedding Traditions in Italy Worth Knowing, Lagotto Romagnolo: The Italian Truffle Hunting Dog, 14 Funny Italian Superstitions That Will Make You Smile, Symbols of Italy: 13 Most Important Italian Emblems and Symbols, 12 Brilliant Italian Inventions You Probably Werent Aware Of, Visit Lazio, Italy: The Best Things To Do and See. Other unlucky items to keep off the bed are clothes hangers, hairbrushes, and shoes (of course the last is a hygiene issue, too). Italian popular beliefs. [6] The coral of which it is often made is sacred to Venus, goddess of love, fertility, sex, and prosperity. Walking underneath a ladder meant breaking that sacred figure and attracting misfortune upon oneself. I grew up making sure I didnt walk under a ladder. in other countries. Giving a handkerchief as a gift will bring tears. The priest would remove his hat as well as set it on the bed to make sure that he might place on the vestments. The rarity and the consequently high cost of salt gave rise to a number of beliefs in the ancient world. Thank you for your support! What was your superstition growing up that your mother or grandmother told you? Some say the superstition has a Christian origin from the Scriptures story where Peter rejected that he recognized Jesus three times before the cock crowed. All rights reserved. Lentils resemble the shape of a 'coin' and therefore serves as a reminder of money. This has to do with exactly how it is composed. 7 Italian Wedding Superstitions Explained. Join Intrepid Italian here and start learning today! You will be emailed when there are new posts on Tuscan Traveler. Powerful Toppers: What is Pomodoro Sauce? You can't drink cold beverages because they will give you cramps. On the other hand, its considered a good fortune if you happen to hear a cat sneeze. Ci vediamo l! Italians are a fairly superstitious people, especially when the new year comes around. There are a lot of superstitions, and many of us have even a personal one: I think for example about those people who always wear the same piece of clothing whenever they have to take a test - such as a t-shirt, socks or trousers, or a certain accessory, such as a bracelet, a ring or a necklace. We can automaticallytrackyour rental rates andRE-BOOKyou if prices drop! Never have your hair cut during the new moon. Here are the 10 Italian superstitions! In ancient times, salt was invaluable. In the present day, however, umbrellas were often used to plug holes in the houses of poor people, hence the belief that opening them will bring a good deal of financial misfortune. One of the most popular and perhaps most feared superstitions is the black cat. Ecco l'Italia scaramantica", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cornicello&oldid=1144611310, This page was last edited on 14 March 2023, at 16:54. To many countries all over the world, the number thirteen is considered as bad luck. A bed should never face the door because it replicate the position of a coffin in a church. Nuns crossing your path (or is this only for school children?). According to Italian superstition, you should never raise a toast with a glass full of water, as it is considered bad luck. Theres no limitation to what type of gifts to offer the newly married couples. Top 10 Italian superstitions By: Wanted in Rome. Sugared almonds and Italian Cookies are also common. Join us on the Slow Europe Travel Forums. Read our article '6 Interesting Facts About Olive Oil.'. First, the good news. The number 13 is also associated with the Goddess of Fertility and the lunar cycles. This symbol can still be found nowadays as a lucky charm that Italians carry around to protect themselves. Dont spill salt or olive oil for fear of bad luck. 5) The number 17. Eleanora Baldwin at aglioolioepeperoncino.com. Remember #5 above? Understanding Sicilian curses and omens is not just a way to learn about what a culture believes or believed in. Superstition in Italy says if you are single you should not sit at the corner of a table in Italy because it means you will not marry. my new series of online video courses that use my unique 80/20 method. Its an imprint of a history that defines our past. Exorcising the home when it is first built or moved into is a Sicilian superstition that is still somewhat used today. I will never give away, trade or sell your email address. A sealed favor bag usually contains confetti (sugared almonds) and printed ribbons. How we got here is the subject of our second book, "When Your Heart Finds Its Home," also available on Amazon. The presence of a bird in the house (either as a pet dog or accidentally) brings rotten luck. Rain on a wedding day is good luck in Italian superstition. If it happens, however, throw a bit of salt over each shoulder or rub a decrease of oil behind each ear. Italian Food Rules by Ann Reavis is available now. Join us in our travels as we share places to visit, travel tips, recipes, and more. This wards off any bad luck. As a matter of fact, the left side has always been associated with the devil. The priest would remove his hat and set it on the bed so that he could put on the vestments. The groom will often carry a small piece of iron in his pocket to fend off evil spirits. United Nations projections are also included through the year 2100. In Italy, its also customary when passing the salt to place it on the table first before handing it over. This idea originated from the belief that horseshoes can deflect evil spirits - remember 'malocchio?'. You are in deaths wake and soon people might be attending your funeral. A loaf of bread must always be placed face up, or else bad luck will come. This gesture can also be used to ward off the Evil Eye (pointing fingers down). If you find yourself sitting at a dinner table with 12 other people, then consider yourself unlucky. Pineapple core can be quite tough so if you want to make it . If the mirror cracks by itself, on the other hand, it means that the owner may lose a close friend. Same for the birthday celebrations: very rarely do people in Italy organize their birthday party in advance unless its the night before, which means youll wait until midnight to get together with your friends! [7] It can also be found[by whom?] According to tradition, when priests came to visit the sick on their deathbed to receive their final confessions, they would remove their hat and set it on the bed so that they could put on the vestments. The reason for this is not exactly clear, Italians simply believe that early wishes might jinx them. Don't wash or cut your hair. Its also bad luck to cross arms with anyone as you clink glasses. To learn more about these fascinating customs, we interviewed Giorgia Fantin Borghi, one of the leading Italian etiquette experts and a true historian of Italian table setting. These items were very expensive way back when and it is said that spilling them would bring bad luck. If you offer a gift of a brand-new wallet, constantly placed a minimum of a coin in it. Don't take a bath when you're sick. Italians usually say 'In bocca al lupo' which means 'in the mouth of the wolf' in English. Malocchio is a curse cast due to someone's envy or jealousy against you, causing bad luck. Never get a perm during your menstruation. 1. The ferro in the saying stands for ferro di cavallo (horseshoe) which in the past was believed to ward off the devil, witches, and evil spirits. Nowadays many superstitions have lost (almost) any contact with religion but theyve become a significant part of the culture and form the basis of many Italian life rules. Perhaps not during Halloween but this is not true in Italy. Vediamole insieme! There are plenty of strange Italian superstitions, irrational beliefs and practices that all aim to ward off bad luck. The number of sugared almonds should be odd. How do you get rid of them? According to Italian superstition, you should never wish someone buon compleanno or tanti auguri (this is how Italians say for happy birthday), before their actual birthday. The granddaughter of an etiquette teacher who educated young woman before she got married in the 1950s, Giorgia . The horned god Faunus was known for his wild nature and interest in fertility. This post contains affiliate links which means that we may receive a small commission if you make a purchase through a link at no additional cost to you. When making a toast in Italy, its considered unlucky to do it with water. Some believed that bread in fishing boats meant that the whole community would be cursed with no food for long periods of time. Eat lentils on New Years Day and money will follow during the year. personalized lessons. It is a terrible year because of the pandemic but certainly while respecting the rules the Italians will try to keep some . When home remedies did not work and modern medicine was not an option (from either lack of money or language), some neighborhoods have the services of a man or woman trained in ancient practices, bordering on witchcraft. At the Last Dinner Jesus ate with his 12 adherents before, among them, Judas Iscariot betrayed him. Southern Italians, Sardinians and Sicilians, mostly of the older generation, still mix folk medicine and ancient superstitions. Every culture has its own superstitions passed down from generation to generation. Traditional Italian clothing isnt that popular nowadays, but they still rock in certain parts of Italy. It also signifies fertility and prosperity for the newly married couples. To celebrate the start of the wedding season, we wanted to highlight some dreamy Italian wedding traditions and some interesting superstitions. Make sure you cross off the unlucky days from your calendar first! if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'theprouditalian_com-leader-2','ezslot_22',174,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-theprouditalian_com-leader-2-0'); Often, many people will tell the other to break a leg when they wish them good luck. (Eat!). Some of them include: jinxing gestures (like le corna the horns find out more about this in my guide to Italian gestures), carrying lucky charms and amulets like the cornetto, scratching genitalia, keeping red chilli peppers at your doorstep, and saying in bocca al lupo to wish someone good luck. Later in time, the term superstio was applied to the outlawed religious cults in the Roman Empire. When it comes to toasting, there are several things that can cause you to have bad luck. Italians aim to avoid a similar turning of the tables. In certain regions, the newlyweds break a glass vase or porcelain dish. Thats why nowadays the act of spilling oil is considered to bring bad luck. Flowery wishes: Italian brides have always walked down the aisle with a bouquet of flowers. If you give a gift of a new wallet, always put at least a coin in it. Neighborhood priests go house to house before Easter to bless each home with holy water (in modern times a tiny note is frequently wedged in the door to notify the residents of the service). The first use of the Latin word superstitio is traced back to the 1st century and it was found in the writing of the historians Livy and Ovid. The more the number of broken fragments, the more the happy years of marriage! [4][5], The cornicello is also linked to Greek and Roman mythology. This one is so silly but Italian really believes it. Many countries think the number 13 is unlucky. A study carried out by the Italian drinks company San Pellegrino revealed that 60 percent of Italians think the custom is linked to fertility or good luck in your sexual endeavours, but it is actually much more general. Seventeen in Roman numerals is XVII - an anagram of VIXI. In Latin, VIXI means 'I have lived', implying death. Superstitions in Italy are largely themed around death. Bread is thought about a staple of life, therefore, every preventative measure is taken to stop cursing the supply. This article highlights all you need to know about Italian wedding Traditions. Many Italians believe that eating lentils or 'lenticchie' on New Year's Eve bring prosperity and wealth for the new year. It is impolite to turn the bread up-side-down or to stick a knife into a loaf of bread.
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